In 1937, The Ridges Sanctuary became Wisconsin’s first land trust. For 80 years it has been an integral part of the rich, natural setting of the Baileys Harbor community and the Door County Peninsula. Founded to preserve the original 30 acre parcel, The Ridges has grown thoughtfully and strategically to ensure the protection of the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Wisconsin.

The Cook-Albert Fuller Center, Hidden Brook Boardwalk, and nature trails are open year-round. Come and explore all The Ridges has to offer. From guided hikes to tours of the Range Lights, The Ridges offers adults, families, and tour groups a wide variety of options for their visit.

The Ridges is committed to providing education programs for both children and adults. Our goal is to increase the appreciation for our rich natural landscape and to foster connections with the natural world. We provide several programs, year-round, that are great for adults, children, and families. The Ridges strives to meet its mission of education and outreach.

The Ridges is named for its distinctive topography - a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1100 years. Today, The Ridges owns 1,600 acres in and around Baileys Harbor. In recognition of its rich diversity, The Ridges Sanctuary has been designated as a Wisconsin State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, a National Audubon Important Bird Area and a Wisconsin Wetland Gem.

The Ridges and surrounding landscapes have been recognized as the most biologically diverse area in the State by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. To protect The Ridges, research initiatives must provide an understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics and connections to the larger landscapes or watersheds.

Preservation, Education, and Research

Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly

One of the most precious gems of the Sanctuary is the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana). This winged wonder is listed as Federally endangered and its largest populations are found in Door County, particularly in The Ridges and surrounding wetlands. Researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Illinois State Museum are involved in research on the ecology of the Hine’s Emerald. Since this dragonfly is federally protected, such studies are approved and carefully monitored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Field studies of the number and behavior of Hine’s Emerald dragonflies, along with obtaining photographic records, have been conducted for several summers. Monitoring the status of this endangered dragonfly is ongoing at The Ridges.

During 2012 & 2013, The Ridges coordinated a project to develop best management practices regarding land use issues that affect groundwater quality and its impact on the Hine’s emerald dragonfly. The Hine’s spends four to five years in its larval stage. Throughout this time period, the Hine’s survival is dependent on sustained groundwater quality and quantity, fed through karst bedrock into coastal wetland habitat. There are 12 areas throughout the peninsula designated as critical habitat, although Hine’s have been identified at additional sites.

In 2008 the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey delineated the groundwater contribution areas or the “recharge zones” feeding the Hine’s habitat sites. (They used the same type of model that well-head protection projections use.) The maps created through this project are management resources enabling local government and landowners to protect and preserve endangered resources and groundwater.